Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Minister Shreif Fathy met with Maltese Tourism Minister Dr. Jo Etienne Abela in Valletta, Malta, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 26th World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit. The two ministers emphasized the excellent bilateral relations between Egypt and Malta and the crucial role of tourism in supporting economic growth.
During the meeting, Minister Fathy outlined Egypt's current tourism strategy, highlighting three key messages: showcasing Egypt's unparalleled tourism diversity, emphasizing the authenticity of the Egyptian tourism experience, and promoting the high-quality products and experiences available in Egypt. He also noted that Egypt offers a range of tourism products and experiences, allowing visitors to combine multiple experiences within a single trip.
Minister Fathy reported that Egypt's tourism sector has seen significant growth, with a 21% increase in tourist arrivals last year and a 4% rise through September this year. He expressed optimism about the sector's prospects and highlighted the ease of traveling between different tourism destinations in Egypt.
Dr. Jo Etienne Abela shared updates on Malta's tourism sector, revealing that the country welcomed around 5 million tourists last year. He also discussed efforts to launch direct flights between Cairo and Malta through Air Malta, which would facilitate travel between the two countries.
The two ministers agreed to enhance coordination between the private sectors in both countries to develop joint tourism programs targeting tourists from long-haul markets, such as the United States and Australia. They also explored the possibility of organizing Mediterranean cruises that include visits to both Egypt and Malta.
The meeting also touched on cooperation in training and capacity building, with Egypt potentially providing expertise in hospitality to support Malta's tourism sector. The ministers discussed the possibility of hosting a temporary exhibition of Egyptian antiquities in Malta, promoting Egypt's cultural and tourism offerings.
The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Egyptian Ambassador to Malta Shimaa Badwi, Dr. Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, and Rana Gohar, Minister Fathy's advisor for communication and external relations. The two ministers' discussions reflected their commitment to strengthening Egypt-Malta ties and promoting tourism cooperation.
Key points
- Egypt and Malta agree to enhance tourism cooperation, including joint programs and training initiatives.
- Egyptian Tourism Minister reports 21% growth in tourist arrivals last year and 4% rise through September this year.
- Malta welcomed around 5 million tourists last year, with plans to launch direct flights to Cairo.
